Starting off at 7.30AM we thought we had plenty of time
to get to the HoE Vegan Festival, but in the end we didn't arrive until
about 11AM. That was a long time in a car & feeling a bit stiff we
shuffled our way to the venue. Even after the huge journey I was still
looking forward to meeting up with the Vegan Bodybuilding
crew, as well as getting a chance to hook up with the vegan fitness
posse this was their stomping area.

Unfortunately, as Pat Reeves, the British Powerlifting
champion, had to compete in the European Powerlifting championships she
had to talk early, then leave, but I got to exchange a few words before
she had to literally run for her taxi to the train station. I usually
really like Pats talks as she can put nutrition across in simple terms
that even thick blokes like me can understand (quite a feat!).

One thing I was looking forward to was hooking up with
our US cousins who were coming along to the vegan fitness activities
week. We don't often get a chance to meet up with some of the e-mails we
speak to & puting faces to the text was fab.

Somehow even though I haven't been able to train
properly for a month or so, I was convinced to get my top off next to
Topher (hero). The guy can eat like normal, stay that cut AND grow. All
at the same time (doesn't that make you sick!), infact the US guys were
bloody big, strong lads that do the vegan cause a power of good, helping
to end the idea that vegans have to be small, frail little things. These
guys looked like they could lift buses!!!

It was also really nice to see
fruitbat &
JP
from Vegan Fitness (& of course the ever youthful Rochelle). Looks like
JP's goal of competing as apowerlifter is only just around the corner
now, as everytime I see him he looks stronger & his totals are creeping
up.

There was also a disply of Karate given by WIP
Tom
that I missed because I was stuck at the stall, but was said to be
fantastic by those that saw him.

Special thanks have to go to Steve for driving us all
the way there at very short notice. He's a great bloke.

It was especially good of him as he hurt his groin the
night before when he had a saddle snap on his bike & the pole hit him
somewhere that blokes really wouldn't bear thinking about (OUCH!).

The day went really well & we met some great people,
including littlebunnygirl (you can see her back in the top picture).
Also people from several other sports that wanted some advice on
training , diet etc,& not forgetting Billy with her doggie biscuits she
sells for charity. All in all a very good, exciting time was had by all!